Atletico Madrid’s winless start to the La Liga season extended after a 1-1 draw against Alaves. Giuliano Simeone scored for Atletico, but Carlos Vicente equalized from the penalty spot. Despite late chances, including a shot against the woodwork by Antoine Griezmann, Atletico couldn’t secure the win. The draw marks Simeone’s worst start to a season with Atletico, increasing pressure on the team.
Atletico Madrid's quest for their first La Liga victory of the 2025-26 season suffered another setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Alaves side at the Estadio de Mendizorroza. Diego Simeone's men were left to rue a series of missed opportunities, with their inability to convert chances ultimately costing them two valuable points and leaving them languishing in the mid-table.
The match began brightly for Atletico, with Giuliano Simeone, the son of the manager, providing an early spark. In the seventh minute, he showcased his skill and determination, skillfully navigating past Moussa Diarra's challenge within the penalty area before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that soared into the roof of the net, giving Atletico an early lead and a moment of celebration.
However, Alaves responded swiftly, demonstrating their own resilience and determination. Just six minutes later, Alexander Sorloth was adjudged to have fouled Nahuel Tenaglia inside the box, presenting Alaves with a golden opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot. Carlos Vicente stepped up to take the responsibility, coolly slotting the ball past Jan Oblak, who dived in vain, restoring parity and setting the stage for a hard-fought contest.
Despite controlling possession for extended periods, Atletico struggled to penetrate Alaves' organized defense for the remainder of the first half. David Hancko and Clement Lenglet both attempted to test Alaves' goalkeeper Antonio Sivera from distance, but their efforts failed to hit the target, leaving Simeone with work to do during the interval.
The second half saw Atletico increase their attacking intensity, but Alaves remained resolute, frustrating their opponents with their disciplined defensive structure. Atletico's forwards found it increasingly difficult to find space and time on the ball, as Alaves' defenders closed down passing lanes and intercepted crosses. The introduction of Antoine Griezmann as a substitute injected fresh impetus into Atletico's attack, but even his presence couldn't unlock the stubborn Alaves defense.
Atletico's best chance to snatch a late winner arrived in the dying moments of the match when an outswinging corner slipped through Sivera's grasp. The ball fell kindly to Griezmann at the back post, but the Frenchman, known for his clinical finishing, could only fire his shot against the woodwork from a tight angle, leaving Atletico fans in disbelief.
The match officials added 15 minutes of stoppage time due to a medical emergency in the crowd, but neither side could find a breakthrough. Atletico's winless start to the season continued, piling pressure on Simeone and his players. The final whistle blew, confirming a 1-1 draw that left Atletico with more questions than answers.
Simeone had urged Atletico supporters to remain patient after the team's disappointing start to the season, but the draw against Alaves has only heightened concerns about the team's form and direction. While Atletico slightly edged the expected goals (xG) battle, registering a tally of 1.09 from their 15 attempts compared to Alaves' 0.92 from their five shots, they were unable to translate their dominance into a victory.
The stalemate marks the first time in Simeone's tenure at Atletico that he has failed to win any of his team's first three league games. It is also the first time the club has endured such a poor start to a season since 2009-10 under Abel Resino, when they failed to win any of their first five matches.
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